eFate: An MMO Story Chapter 19: Interlude - Astrid's Questions

Watching Eric disappear through the portal, Astrid turned back to Calyn.

"You wanted to speak with me?"

"Yes, just give me a minute to get these last few trainees out of the hall and we can talk." Calyn replied, observing the small handful of players who were agonizing over their names.

Under Astrid's impatient gaze, the remaining players slowly one by one began to press their quills to the scrolls, finally deciding upon their names and leaving for the portal. After what seemed like the longest five minutes she'd ever endured the last player finally scribbled down their name. Looking up in surprise to find that they were now alone in the empty hall. Grabbing the scroll they hurried towards the door as Astrid looked back at Calyn.

"Are we good to talk now?" She asked.

With a wordless smile Calyn walked towards a small doorway behind the pulpit at the end of the room. Motioning for Astrid to follow. Grumbling internally Astrid followed Calyn into a small room, devoid of decoration except for a desk and a couple chairs. Sitting down, Calyn motioned for Astrid to follow suit. Just as Astrid was about to burst into a flurry of questions Calyn opened her mouth.

"I bet you're wondering why I asked you to meet me here rather than sending you directly to Nasvencia."

Astrid nodded. "Yeah I really wanted to jump right in now that we're done with the training. But I figured you had a good reason for me to stay. Mind telling me what that reason is?"

Pausing, Astrid watched in disbelief as Calyn grabbed a teacup from the desk. Waving her finger, she drew a serpentine rune resembling a capital S in the air. As the rune was completed it flashed before bursting into a spray of cool water that filled the cup. Did this woman have no sense of urgency whatsoever? Astrid wondered as the spray of water came to an end, the cup filled nearly to the brim.

With a satisfied look Calyn sipped the water before looking back at Astrid. "As instructors we have been given permission to recruit trainees that show talent. Each instructor can give as many trainees as they please an introduction letter to one of the factions they represent. For me that faction is the Rothlorien Rangers."

"Does that mean you think I have talent?"

"I'm not going to beat around the bush, I believe that you are the most talented person in this group. And one of the most talented archers I have ever seen."

Astrid nodded, blushing slightly and more than a little shocked at this sudden development. She knew she'd done well at the archery training. Only Eric had even managed to come close to hitting the bullseye as many times as she had. But she hadn't expected Calyn to give her such high praise.

"I thought that that was all due to the system assistance. Now that I've turned that off won't I go back to normal?"

"If the help of the Gods could allow anyone to have your talent then we would not need the help of you otherworlders. The Gods would simply grant the residents of this world the power to repel the darkness. But unfortunately that's not how it works. After all, even with the Gods help that half-orc was still hopeless as an archer. Was he not?"

Watching Astrid's reaction with an amused smile, Calyn continued, "There are a few different recommendations I can hand out. For you I want to give a recommendation letter that should allow you to become a direct student of the Ranger lord. This is the highest possible reward I can give an otherworlder. I wasn't expecting to have to give any of you trainees this recommendation for weeks."

"Ummm-" Astrid began. "I don't really know what to say."

"Just say thanks."

"Thanks! Did anyone else get something like this?"

"The half-orc spoke to Firin. Isagiri also told me that she gave a recommendation letter to a woman who excelled in her class."

"Isagiri?" Astrid asked with a confused voice.

"The etiquette teacher."

"Ah. I didn't pay too much attention in etiquette…" Astrid mumbled awkwardly.

Calyn smiled, "I'm aware."

"What about Eric? Did he not get one? I thought he was pretty skilled." Astrid asked. From her perspective Eric had done well at everything. Well everything except etiquette anyways. He hadn't been the best in any of their lessons except for the magic class. But he'd always performed well above average.

"The half-elf? Arthal pulled him aside. I'd imagine he received a recommendation at that time." Calyn informed her.

"Cool. So this letter. I take it to the Rothloli Rangers-"

"Rothlorien Rangers. Yes. It might take you a few weeks before you're strong enough to safely travel there. But once you're able to, just show this letter to the guard and you should be allowed entry. You can gain great benefits from this, but it all depends on the work you put in. If you're lazy or slack off they will dismiss you. Even with this letter." Calyn warned.

"Mmmmh. Could you show me an example of the skills I'd be able to learn? I mean we got to see higher level magic. And Firin had that enormous sword. But you didn't show us anything special." Astrid asked, looking at Calyn with bright eyes.

Calyn shook at this, at first Astrid was afraid she'd gone too far and angered her. But then she heard the low laughs escaping Calyn's mouth as she attempted to cover it with her quivering mug. Calming down Calyn coughed lightly, looking at Astrid over the top of her mug with an expression of mirth.

"I keep forgetting that you aren't from this world. No one from the kingdom of Novanalba would even dare ask a Rothlorien Ranger to demonstrate their skills in order to prove they should join the rangers. They would most likely just join on the spot after fainting from joy." Calyn's eyes grew hazy as long lost memories stirred. Shaking her head to clear her thoughts she grabbed her fishing rod and stood up from her chair.

"Follow me," she said to Astrid as she left the room. Scrambling from her chair Astrid followed the elven ranger outside. Making for the hill, Calyn stopped by the willow pond. Catching up Astrid panted slightly as she gave Calyn a questioning look. Smiling wordlessly, Calyn took her fishing pole and attached the hook to a groove at the base of the handle. Twanging the string experimentally she stamped her ring in the air, leaving a glowing rune behind. Glowing brightly, the rune morphed into the shape of an arrow which Calyn then plucked out of the air and placed on her string.

Sighting down her fishing pole-bow, Calyn took aim at a willow tree. The conjured arcane arrow glowing softly against her cheek.

"Watch closely." She warned. Breathing out, the gems on her fishing pole began to glow. A riotous array of colours suddenly staining the sunlit grass with their light. As Astrid watched, transfixed, the arcane arrow on Calyn's bow began to glow more vibrantly, strands of blue and green energy wrapping around the length of the shaft. As the light of the crystals reached its peak, Calyn loosed the arrow.

Speeding towards the willow tree, the arrow blurred. As Astrid watched a watery arrow suddenly split off from the arcane arrow. With each meter it traveled another arrow split off from the original arcane arrow. Some made of water, some of leaves. As the arrow struck the trunk, fifteen other arrows also slammed into the willow tree. Embedding themselves deeply into the trunk and branches of the willow.

Looking at Calyn in excitement, Astrid was about to cry out when she saw Calyn raise her hand. "Wait," she mouthed, closing her fingers into a fist.

Staring back at the willow, Astrid watched in amazement as the arrows suddenly shattered. The water arrows exploding into mist while the leaf arrows exploded like glass, tiny leaves flying everywhere. As the mist and leaves cleared, the once tall willow had disappeared. The only clue to its previous existence being the stray willow branches floating in the pond.

"Please give me that letter. I want to be a ranger," Astrid said, her eyes gleaming as she watched the remains of the willow slowly sink beneath the surface of the pond.

Calyn's only answer was a knowing smile.

Chapter end